# angle for

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/angle-for
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to try to get something you want without asking for it directly.

For teachers: to use indirect methods or hints to obtain a desired object, information, or outcome; often implies a level of subtle manipulation.

## Examples

- He is clearly angling for a promotion.
- She kept mentioning how much she loved the new project, clearly angling for an invitation to join the team.
- The diplomat spent the entire evening angling for a private audience with the minister, though he never explicitly requested one.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is angling to a compliment." but "He is angling for a compliment." — the verb 'angle' requires the preposition 'for' to indicate the target of the search.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun or a gerund phrase representing the desired goal.
- Teaching tip: the metaphor comes from fishing (angling); just as a fisherman uses bait to lure a fish, the speaker uses hints to lure the desired result.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.